Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika

The peer-reviewed scientific and technology journal. ISSN: 0204-3327

Investigation of Hydraulic Characteristics of Loops with Lead Coolant

12/10/2025 2025 - #04 Thermal physics and thermal hydraulics

Sumin R.V. Zyryanova T.K. Bokova T.A. Volkov N.S. Pogorelov M.D. Shalina D.S. Kolosov S.V.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2025.4.05

UDC: 621.039.5

The article is devoted to an experimental study of the hydraulic characteristics of lead coolant circulation routes. The aim of the study is to obtain calculation formulas for determining hydraulic losses in the elements of a circulation circuit, such as friction losses in a straight pipe and local resistances (smooth turns, sharp narrowing), as well as comparing experimental data with existing recommendations. The experience of operating experimental stands with lead and lead-bismuth coolant shows that this class of coolant has a number of properties that have a significant effect on the fluid dynamics of the coolant. In the course of an experimental study, a significant discrepancy was found between the data obtained and recommendations from the literature. Calculation formulas for determining the hydraulic losses in the elements of the circulation circuit are also obtained. The friction losses along the length of the straight pipe and smooth turns for the lead coolant are significantly higher than recommended. At the same time, pressure losses at a sharp constriction can be considered to coincide with the recommendations. The results of the study are proposed for use in the development of circulation circuits of reactor installations with lead coolant of the BREST and BR-1200 types, experimental stands and in the verification of design codes.

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lead coolant fast neutron reactor hydrodynamics hydraulic resistances

Link for citing the article: Sumin R.V., Zyryanova T.K., Bokova T.A., Volkov N.S., Pogorelov M.D., Shalina D.S., Kolosov S.V. Investigation of Hydraulic Characteristics of Loops with Lead Coolant. Izvestiya vuzov. Yadernaya Energetika. 2025, no. 4, pp. 66-79; DOI: https://doi.org/10.26583/npe.2025.4.05 (in Russian).

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